Gujarat added one tonne of plastic waste every two minutes in 2022-23, according to data recently tabled in the Lok Sabha. This translates to 31 tonnes per hour, amounting to a staggering 2.71 lakh tonnes annually, placing Gujarat in the sixth spot among Indian states for plastic waste generation. Tamil Nadu topped the list with 7.82 lakh tonnes per annum, followed by Telangana (5.28 lakh tonnes) and Delhi (4.03 lakh tonnes).
A silver lining for Gujarat is the reduction in plastic waste generation compared to the previous year. In 2021-22, the state produced 3.13 lakh tonnes, marking a 13.5% decline in 2022-23.
A study by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) highlighted that 88% of the plastic waste in cities like Ahmedabad comprises high-density and low-density polyethylene (HDPE/LDPE), commonly found in carry bags, milk pouches, and packaging materials. Other types of plastic waste include polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
Environmentalists have attributed the persistence of plastic waste to inadequate segregation at the source. “There has been some awareness about using substitutes for polyethylene bags, like paper bags, but plastic bags still dominate retail shopping—whether for vegetables, fruits or other goods,” said an environmentalist working with Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). “The major issue is segregation. While many plastics can be recycled, they need to be in a form suitable for recycling. Unfortunately, most waste is thrown together in large polyethylene bags.”
The rise of fast consumables, such as mobile phone accessories and plastic electronics, with their disposable nature, has further contributed to the problem.
Experts estimate that each person in Gujarat, with a population of approximately 6.5 crore, generates about 4.2 kg of plastic waste annually—equivalent to 11-12 grams per day or two plastic bags. They emphasised that adopting the mantra of “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” is essential to tackle the growing plastic waste crisis.
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